5 Common Construction Site Injuries and 3 Tips to Help Stop Them

Fatal construction site injuries accounted for 46.1 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2020, more than any other occupation, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Construction site injuries should be no surprise, seeing as the occupation is a large source of employment. 

It’s estimated that there are nearly 11.4 million construction workers in the US. In fact, California has the second largest amount of construction workers per state, trailing only Texas. 

Construction is undoubtedly one of the more dangerous occupations in the country as well. 

Below are some of the most common construction site injuries:

• Falls – One of the more frequent injuries amongst construction workers, it’s also one of the most dangerous and deadly. Construction workers are often placed at extreme heights, working from scaffolds, roofs, and tall buildings. A fall from one of these dangerous levels could lead to a catastrophic injury or even death.
• Hazardous heavy machinery accidents – From bulldozers to excavators, we’ve all seen these big machines operated at construction sites. It’s not uncommon for a person to get injured while either operating one of these machines, or being in the path of one. Furthermore, workers can get body parts, like an arm or leg, stuck between pieces of machinery.
• Electrocution –  Working with power lines or dangerous wiring can cause a construction worker to get electrocuted. This happens when an electric current passes through the body. It often leads to tragic injuries, including death.
• Vehicular accidents – This refers to vehicles driven by pedestrians on the road. While there are generally signs and adjusted speed limits to help slow down traffic, some drivers refuse to follow instructions. A speeding driver could hit a worker, causing construction site injuries.
• Burns – Burns can come in various forms. A common type of burn at a construction site may come from electrical causes, or a thermal burn caused by fire, hot liquids, heated metal, etc. 

There are a few precautions construction workers can take in trying to protect themselves from construction site injuries:

• Follow signs/orders – This could include staying away from or being extra cautious around dangerous areas where one might trip, slip, or fall.
• Wear your helmet – Studies show that 84 percent of construction workers who suffered head injuries were not wearing their helmet.  It’s a vital piece of equipment that could be the difference maker in your safety.
• Wear protective gloves or eyewear – This is especially true if you are working with dangerous chemicals or electric currents that may lead to burn injuries.

Some of the more common construction site injuries can result in:

• A traumatic brain injury, like a concussion or skull fracture
• Spinal cord injuries that may occur after a fall
• Broken bones suffered after a piece of heavy machinery or equipment lands on the victim
• Impalement from a large piece of equipment like a metal pole
• Cuts and lacerations, such as a severe wound or deep puncture from glass or other dangerous materials
• Back injuries, which may be the result of a trip, slip, or fall
• Neck injuries, which may be the result of a trip, slip, or fall

If you were the victim of one of these accidents, you may be wondering what to do in regard to your construction site injuries. You should contact our Los Angeles construction accident lawyers at C&B Law Group. 

A workers’ compensation claim is most likely the best option for you.

Occasionally, there are situations in which victims of construction site injuries may be able to file a personal injury claim instead of, or in addition to, a workers’ comp claim. 

Construction site injuries are unique, and each case has various factors that can change or complicate the situation. 

At C&B Law Group, our attorneys have experience helping victims of construction site injuries get the compensation they deserve. 

We’re invested in your justice, and we’ll do all we can to help you with your workers’ comp or personal injury claim resulting from construction site injuries. 

Your initial consultation with our team is free, so contact us today!